Spurs fans will have a reason to cheer for a championship no matter what this June

The Spurs have a real chance at winning an NBA championship and reigniting a dynasty this spring. However, even if they fall short, San Antonio faithful will still have plenty of reasons to stay engaged with the playoffs.

Most teams that will be in the postseason have at least one former Spur, giving fans some familiar faces to cheer for in any series.

Former Spurs have enjoyed a lot of success this season

We all know San Antonio and its culture build winners. Whether it’s coaches or players, Spurs alumni go on to succeed elsewhere more often than not. In this year’s playoffs, the most notable Silver and Black “graduates” are Kawhi Leonard and Derrick White. 

Leonard had a messy breakup with the organization, but he accomplished a lot as a Spur and is generally an easy guy to root for due to his low-drama, awkwardly funny nature. The Klaw has had one of the best individual regular seasons of his illustrious career, averaging a career-high 28.1 points on close to 50-40-90 splits while staying generally healthy.

His Clippers dug themselves in a hole early in the year. Therefore, they’ll have a tough path to a deep run, but with the way they’ve been rolling and rallying behind Leonard’s superstar play, they could make some noise.

White was the ultimate Spur, a homegrown talent who gave his all to the team every night. He’s blossomed beyond belief since he was traded to Boston, winning a championship, making All-Defensive teams, and putting his name in the hat for All-Star appearances as well.

The Celtics look like the favorites to make it out of the East now that Jayson Tatum is back, meaning White could take home a second ring.

San Antonio should be proud of their past players

Another top contender with a former Spur is the Knicks, who picked up Jeremy Sochan after he was waived in February. Sochan hasn’t played much of a role for New York, but if he were to put together a redemption story, it would be fun to watch, even if it stung a little.

The Raptors have slipped down the standings as of late, but they have three Spurlumni (just made that word up), more than any other team. Jakob Poeltl has struggled a bit this season.

However, throughout his time in both San Antonio and Toronto, the big fella has mostly been a pillar of consistency at the five spot. Sandro Mamukelashivli has had a career campaign, leaping into Sixth Man of the Year conversations. Garrett Temple is the model veteran, professional, and locker room leader.

Two past two-way Spurs, Dominick Barlow (76ers) and Jamaree Bouyea (Suns), have emerged as hidden gems, earning contract conversions and finding rotation roles. Sidy Cissoko also saw his two-way deal turned into a standard one this year for the Trail Blazers.

The list of former Spurs in the playoffs this year keeps going (shoutout Kyle Anderson, Blake Wesley, Jock Landale, Riley Minix, and Charles Bassey), and there’s one clear takeaway. San Antonio should be proud of these guys and celebrate their success no matter where it happens.